Ni-Co/Al2O3 composite coatings were obtained by pulse reversal electrodeposit (PRC) and direct current electrodeposit (DC). The microstructure of the coatings was characterized by means of SEM, XRD and TEM. Hardness, wear resistance and macro residual stress of coatings were also investigated. The results showed that the microstructure and performance of the coatings were significantly affected by the electrodeposit methods and the Al2O3 particles content. The PRC composite coatings exhibited compact surface, high hardness and excellent wear resistance. The macro residual stress of PRC composite coatings was lower than that of DC ones. With the increasing of Al2O3 particles content, the hardness and wear resistance of the composite coatings increased. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.